Whiskey Review: John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon

Introduction

Today, we’re diving into John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, a unique expression from Virginia’s A. Smith Bowman Distillery. This bourbon has an interesting production process—it starts as Buffalo Trace’s new make, which is distilled twice in Kentucky before being shipped to Virginia, where it undergoes a third distillation and is aged entirely on-site. Bottled at 100 proof, this single barrel offering carries the DNA of Buffalo Trace while introducing its own spin through the final distillation in Virginia.

Bob is tasting this one live, while Brad has already completed his notes. Will this bourbon hold up to the high expectations set by its Buffalo Trace lineage? Let’s find out.

this review is taken from our episode "Aliens / John J. Bowman Bourbon." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.

Nose

Bob: The nose on this reminds me immediately of Eagle Rare, which is fitting given its Buffalo Trace origins. There’s a rich oakiness, not quite as aggressive as something like Woodford Double Oaked, but it’s definitely present. Underneath that, I’m picking up a strong fruitiness, almost like a Granny Smith apple, which I don’t usually get from Eagle Rare.

Brad: I agree on the Buffalo Trace influence. For me, it’s all about vanilla, peanut butter, and toffee. There’s nothing overwhelmingly complex here, but it’s really well-balanced and pleasant. I’m giving the nose an 8/10.

Bob: I’ll match that. It’s a solid 8/10 from me as well.

Taste

Brad: The palate follows through on the nose with vanilla and peanut butter, but then it shifts into cream soda territory with a little oak on the back end. This is where I think the 100-proof mark really shines—it’s just the right amount of kick to bring the flavors to life. I’m giving the palate an 8.5/10.

Bob: This one is throwing me for a loop. Through most of the tasting experience, it’s predictable in a good way—classic bourbon notes, rich and warming. But when I swallow, the flavor takes a hard turn. I was expecting a hit of sweetness on the finish, but instead, it turns very oaky with a bit of grainy sharpness and even a hint of sourness. It’s not unpleasant, but it’s unexpected, and I’m struggling with how to score it. I’ll have to go with a 6.5/10.

Finish

Brad: I love the finish on this. It brings in oak, leather, and a bit of black pepper, but the vanilla stays strong all the way through. It lingers nicely and remains pleasant long after the sip. For me, this is an 8/10.

Bob: I’m having a completely different experience. The finish leans heavily into bitterness, almost like an ashy Marlboro cigarette. It’s the most dominant characteristic on the back end, which makes it my least favorite part of this whiskey. The alcohol also hangs around a little too long for my liking. This is a 6/10 for me.

Balance

Brad: This is where I think this whiskey really shines. It’s not overly complex, but it’s incredibly consistent from start to finish. Everything just works together harmoniously, so I’m giving it a 9/10.

Bob: I have to disagree. This whiskey moves in unexpected ways, and while some might find that exciting, I found it a bit disjointed. There’s a lot happening here, but I don’t love where it ends up, so I’m going with a 6/10.

Value

Brad: This isn’t sold in Ohio, but from what I found online, it goes for $50. For a single barrel of this quality, I think that’s a steal. I’m giving it a 9/10 on value.

Bob: Even though this isn’t my favorite bourbon, I can’t argue with the price. If you can’t get Eagle Rare or Elmer T. Lee, this could be a solid alternative. At $50, I think it’s a reasonable buy, so I’ll give it a 7.5/10.

Final Scores

Bob: 34/50
Brad: 42.5/50

Total: 38.25/50

This might be one of the biggest gaps in scoring we’ve ever had. Brad sees this as a really solid single barrel bourbon, while Bob finds it a bit too aggressive on the finish and not quite as balanced as expected.

Would we recommend it?

• Brad: Yes. If you can find this at $50, grab a bottle.
• Bob: If you’re a Buffalo Trace fan and you’re curious, grab a pour at the bar first. It might be worth a bottle for you, but I wouldn’t recommend a blind buy.

If you’ve tried John J. Bowman Single Barrel, let us know where you land—Team Bob or Team Brad?